Monday, 30 October 2017

Renee Scattergood lives in Australia with her husband, Nathan, and daughter, Taiya. She has always been a fan of fantasy and was inspired to become a story-teller by George Lucas, but didn't start considering writing down her stories until she reached her late twenties. Now she enjoys writing dark fantasy and paranormal thrillers.

She is currently publishing her monthly Shadow Stalker serial, and she has published a prequel novella to the series called, Demon Hunt. She is also working on a new series of novels, A God's Deception.

About the Book

Rylee is a normal girl, living in a normal world. At least that’s what she thinks until an Onyx Warrior tells her the truth. She is trapped in a dream world by an ancient and powerful vampire, while he feeds on her blood at his leisure. Worse, her only chance for escape is likely to get her killed.

Friday, 27 October 2017

Melissa A. Joy is a new fantasy author who challenges the conventional expectations of fantasy and takes them to a whole new level. It is no secret that she believes in the existence of all things fantastical and that anything is possible.

She began building the world of Aeldynn and started writing seriously aged approximately 13, and has since developed it into something truly magical worth sharing. From the glorious winged Drahknyr and wise and fearsome dragons to pirates of the high seas and a world rich with history and lore, her imagination could be said to be limitless.

When she isn’t locked in a reverie about what’s going on in the world of Aeldynn, she’s probably out sailing the high seas on a tall ship, gaming, or perhaps dressed up in costume at an anime convention.

About the Book

In a world where ancient races still dwell,

the events of an age-old prophecy begin to stir.

From the pages of an antique tome,

there is much the ancients themselves have yet to learn.

The time has come for the Keys of the Origin to play their part in restoring balance to Aeldynn; but how will their choices affect the outcome?

Two young men; one a righteous law-abiding servant to the people, the other a distinguished outlaw, don't yet realise they are to play a part in a foretold bid for the future of Aeldynn. Fate leads them down a road they would never have dreamed of following; a road that leads them into a struggle to bring the world back into a state of balance from the precipice of madness and desolation.

It is not only Zehn and Larkh who are fated to take on the malevolent forces of Aeldynn; there are others who must join with them as they are coaxed into the embrace of the ancient Nays and the fabled Drahknyr, who are also entangled in the masterful puppeteering of a renegade sorceress hell-bent on reviving the greatest threat of all; Alymarn.

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Keep reading from an excerpt:

The walkway to the central chamber of the Kaesan’Drahknyr came into view. The chasm below was deep, and at its bottom ran a narrow section of the largest river in western Aeldynn, the Aquelar. It was wide and deep enough for a large warship to sail through.

Madukeyr stopped to look over the rail at the rushing water below. ‘There will always be something about this realm that makes it all worthwhile...’ he mused. ‘What about you, Melkhar? You appreciate Mother Nature, don’t you? However, you do not think the same of civilisation. You and I are more alike than you think.’

Soon after reaching the end of the bridge the resonance of the Naturyth pricked his ears. It was a quiet but almost mechanical natural sound, occurring roughly every five seconds or so when the crystals glowed. The resonance itself was characteristic of power flowing through any such crystal larger than the palm of the average hand; these crystals, like the Altirnathé, grew directly from Aevnatureis itself. In most mortal tongues, the giant crystalline support pillar was widely known as The Foundation.

Madukeyr was well aware of the nature of those he encountered. He was in fact as old as those he was about to awaken, and he had always assisted them in more ways than one. Advancing, he looked up into a vast chamber filled with ice-blue crystals that stretched up the cavern walls and hung from the ceiling.

Seven towering crystal monoliths enshrining the Kaesan’Drahknyr were the source of that glowing, pulsing resonance; a rhythm of surging high-density energy. Each of the Kaesan’Drahknyr was sealed separately; their arms folded across their chests with their palms resting against their shoulders, their colossal white-feathered wings perched authoritatively upon their backs. He came to a halt standing in front of the central crystal, gazing up at the flame-haired woman sleeping within.

The Nays were known for their finely angled features, and smoky black lines framing their eyes that were often mistaken to be cosmetic by most mortal races. Their ears were notably pointed, though they didn’t extend as long as those of an elf. This one was in many ways different from the other six. Her early experiences in physical life drove her to almost complete detachment from others, and with it came a great hatred for the unjust.

Wednesday, 25 October 2017

C H Clepitt has a Master’s Degree in English Literature from the University of the West of England. As her Bachelor’s Degree was in Drama, and her Master’s Dissertation focused on little known 18th Century playwright Susannah Centlivre, Clepitt’s novels are extremely dialogue driven, and it has often been observed that they would translate well to the screen.

Since graduating in 2007, she gained experience in community and music journalism, before establishing satirical news website, Newsnibbles in 2010. In 2011 she published her book, A Reason to Stay, which follows the adventures of disillusioned retail manager, Stephen, as he is thrust into village life and the world of AmDram. Clepitt’s feminist fantasy, The Book of Abisan not only crosses worlds, but confuses genres, and has been described as a crime drama with magic. She has often said that she doesn’t like the way that choosing a genre forces you to put your book into a specific little box, and instead she prefers to distort the readers’ expectations and keep them guessing. Her 2016 work, I Wore Heels to the Apocalypse does just that, as just like the characters, the readers won’t know what’s going on in this laugh out loud satirical scifi.

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About the Book

What is better than a sarcastic talking badger? A sarcastic talking badger with superpowers, of course!

Having survived the apocalypse, Kerry is back to being a socially awkward web developer, but when apocalypse survivors start ending up dead, with her next on the list, events start to spiral out of control. Follow Kerry as she deals with life and fashion challenges, whilst trying to save the world in this hilarious sequel to I Wore Heels to the Apocalypse.

Be a hero, #WearTheCape

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Keep reading for an interview with the author:

Why did you decide to be a writer?

I don't think I ever made the conscious decision. I have always had a very active imagination, and imagined stories in my head. The first time I wrote an entire book (as an adult) I actually dreamed it first! (I know, cliche, right?). I woke up on my day off with the entire first half of a book buzzing around in my head, so I grabbed a notebook and pen and started writing! That was it for me.

Did you have a hard time sharing your work with the public?

Back in the day (yes, I am indeed very old), there was a website called Authonomy, which was run by Harper Collins. It was basically a forum for authors to share their work, offer feedback to each other and improve. There was also a competition to get to the top of the pile, but I was never very good at badgering people to vote for me. What it did do was give me some great constructive feedback, and the confidence to know that my writing was good, and it wasn't just me who thought so, so I went ahead and published it.

Where are you from? Does your area have a good writing community?

I am from Bristol in the UK, which I'm sure probably does have a good writing community. I very rarely leave my cave though. My writing community is online, and I have made some amazing friends through writers groups and we all support each other with launches and feedback. I've even been known to leave the cave to meet some of them...

Do you have a "day job"?

Yes. I work for a small local charity supporting people with all different disabilities gain access to the therapeutic benefits of horse riding. It is really rewarding and I wouldn't want to do anything else. I love going into work everyday, the team is like a big family, and the clients love coming in to see us. It's a really nice feeling when people are genuinely pleased to see you every day.

What genres do you write?

Lots! I don't like labels, but I appreciate people need them, so, here goes... fantasy, comedy, satire, sci fi... I also try to write diverse characters including LGBTQ, but that is NOT a genre.

Is there a genre that you've been wanting to experiment with?

I have been wanting to try a more classical style. My work is very dialogue driven and fast paced, and a part of me wants to prove I can do something different. I am trying it with my latest work in progress, so we'll see if the characters go for it.

What inspires you to write?

Everything. I am very political minded, and when I see social and political wrongs it makes me want to write, to show people creatively how I feel. Once a character is born in my head I have to finish their story, or they just sit in there shouting at me, which is noisy.

How often do you write?

At the moment I am writing daily. I am creating a fantasy serial with fellow author Samuel Z Jones, and in the evenings we manage at least 10k between us. We are releasing it as a magazine called Mantichore Magazine. You can find it on Facebook /mantichoremag. When we aren't working on that I find the time to work on my own projects too. I wouldn't want to be bored!

Do you have a daily word or page count goal?

No, I can't be that structured. The second I set myself a goal my creativity is stifled. I just write until I stop.

How long does it take you to write a novel?

It's not the writing that takes the time, it's the editing and revisions! I try to aim for one release a year, but it's tough, it needs to be right before you can let it fly free!

What is the quirkiest thing you've ever done while writing?

Inserted a talking badger as a spirit guide for one of my characters! I have no idea where it came from, but it is most people's favourite character, and the main reason that I wrote the sequel!

If you could be one of your characters for a day, who would it be and why?

Not sure I'd want to be any of my characters, they don't have a very happy time of it! Maybe Crew from the Crew Chronicles, on a day where he didn't have to fight anyone, or liberate slaves or anything!

Monday, 23 October 2017

Dan Sofer won the 2016 Best Book Award (American Book Fest, category: religious fiction) for his novel, "A Love and Beyond" ("A mysterious crime. A ruthless secret society. And a desperate bachelor...")

His novels blend romance, adventure and magical realism, sprinkled with humor and insights into Jewish life and legend - entertainment for the heart and soul.

Dan lives in Israel with his family.

His second novel, "An Unexpected Afterlife" ("You only live twice?"), hit the shelves in March 2017 and the sequel, "An Accidental Messiah" will follow in late October 2017.

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About the Book

YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE?

Readers' Favorite 5-Star Medal Winner.

When he wakes up naked and alone in the Mount of Olives Cemetery, Moshe Karlin doesn't remember dying two years ago, nor does he realize how hard he'll have to work to win back his perfect old life... and his wife. In fact, he'll be lucky to survive his first week on the streets of Jerusalem.

Meanwhile, other changes are afoot in the Holy Land. A reluctant prophet prepares to deliver a message of redemption--and the end of life as we know it--when a freak accident changes the course of history.

An Unexpected Afterlife is the first "highly original" novel in the new fantasy adventure series of biblical proportions, The Dry Bones Society. If you enjoy romance and adventure, humor and heartbreak, engaging characters and non-stop surprises, then you'll love this romp in legends of the Resurrection and the World to Come.

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Keep reading for an excerpt:

Moshe Karlin emerged from a deep and dreamless sleep with a premonition of impending doom. The world seemed out of place. The dawn chorus of summer birds filled his ears, but louder than usual, as though an entire flock had perched on the windowsill above his bed. The mattress pressed against his back, hard and coarse. A chill breeze tickled the hair on his bare chest.

Bare chest?

His eyelids snapped open. The endless blue velvet cano-py of heaven stretched overhead, and as he gazed, a star winked out. His heart thumped in his rib cage. He was not in his bed. Or his bedroom. Or even his house.

He craned his neck forward. He lay on his back in a stony field, as naked as the day he was born.

His head slumped to the ground.

Moshe Karlin, you are in deep trouble.

Galit would kill him when he got home. That is, if she ever found out.

As his bold plan for sneaking home unnoticed grew flesh and sinew, the crackle of a loudspeaker jarred his thoughts, and a nasal voice boomed: Allahu akba-a-ar! Allahu akba-a-ar!

Moshe heard the East Jerusalem muezzin most mornings but always from a safe distance. This morning, however, the blaring call to morning prayers seemed to issue from only a stone’s throw away.

Friday, 20 October 2017

Iris Sweetwater has been writing short stories and poetry since the age of four. This first love of writing got her featured in several poetry publications starting at the tender age of 13. Following high school, she found her niche in marketing, writing and editing for large websites and newsletters. Following finding out of her pregnancy with her daughter, she was unable to work, so she turned to the life of a freelancer. Iris began to find more confidence in her ideas and talents as she ghostwrote for publishers large and small and authors with great ideas who did not have the talent to put those ideas into eloquent words. At the end of 2016, Iris decided it was finally time to start publishing the stories that came from her own heart and has many books planned over the next few years.

About the Book

The war between the Olympia werewolf pack and the coven is over. A beloved brother has turned out to be a complete stranger and sealed his fate in death and punishment. Life should be peaceful now, but there is a battle raging inside the members of the pack; the kind that bites and fists cannot win. This is a war of the heart and of the mind. What is right and what does your heart want, and which should you go with? The werewolf brothers and the new leader of the coven will have to make the most heartbreaking decisions now that the storm has passed.

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About the Book

Timmy and his best friend the Little Fart are back again in The Day My Fart Followed Me To The Dentist! In this beautifully illustrated children’s book you’ll experience Timmy’s first visit to the dentist, losing a tooth, and a visit from the Tooth Fairy.

No child loves the thought of a visit to the dentist. In The Day My Fart Followed Me To The Dentist, Timmy takes a trip to the dentist with his best, and imaginary, friend the Little Fart. Timmy needs to have a tooth removed and then needs to help to try and explain the Tooth Fairy to the Little Fart.

Whenever the Little Fart is involved, hilarity and mischievousness are sure to follow! The authors decided to publish this book to try and help parents and dentists show that the dentist doesn’t have to be a bad experience. In the end, there is always the reward of receiving a visit by the magical and beautiful Tooth Fairy.

If you enjoy reading funny books with beautiful illustrations and love having your child read along with you, then make sure you grab The Day My Fart Followed Me To The Dentist! Discover and giggle along with Timmy, and the Little Fart on their exciting day at the dentist.

Monday, 16 October 2017

Kerry Watts was born and grew up in a small town in the East of Scotland. It took twenty years for her to pluck up the courage to finally share her scribbles with the paying public. All her books are published by Creativia and she is very grateful for the support she's found in their network of authors. She is always writing and carries a little notebook and pen with her wherever she goes because at her age ideas need to be captured before they disappear. When she's not writing she is following her other passion which is horseracing. She also loves dogs, particularly rescue mutts and she has volunteered for a couple of rescue charities in the past. She loves horses and dogs; people not so much.

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About the Book

For Annie Marshall, accepting her school friend's wedding invitation means being catapulted back to the small Highland town she fled twenty years ago - and facing a tragedy that ripped the small community apart. A tragedy Annie is still held responsible for.

As she returns to her old hometown, wounds of the past are reopened. But for the sake of her best friend, Annie is willing to try.

Pulled away from her hectic Edinburgh life, Annie is forced to reassess the life she shares with her boyfriend Paul. And then, she meets the ruggedly handsome Billy Lawson and everything changes.

Keep reading for an interview with the author:

Did you have a hard time sharing your work with the public?

I've been writing for over twenty years but only plucked up the courage to share my works with the world early last year. It was so uncomfortable at first because I'm a very private person. There's no shortage of people sadly who want to tell you what they think, good and bad.

What genres do you write?

I have published three crime fiction, two children's and now one romantic fiction book.

Is there a genre that you've been wanting to experiment with?

I've dabbled with fantasy. I am about 20,000 words in and I'm struggling. I love the idea of the book but I'm having difficulty pulling it off.

How often do you write?

I try to write something every day. I think it's important to be consistent. The thought of the dreaded writer's block terrifies me. I worry that I'll lose the thread otherwise.

Do you have a daily word or page count goal?

I like to think I'm satisfied by writing five pages a day. Any less feels like I've been slacking off.

How long does it take you to write a novel?

It takes me approximately three months give or take a day or two. I don't write much more than 50,000-word books. I would love to be able to write a 100,000 blockbuster one day but I'm not quite there yet although I have writer friends who have the opposite problem. They struggle to contain themselves!

What authors have most influenced you?

I've been heavily influenced by Dan Brown and Jeff Lindsay but the women who inspired me most to write are Marian Keyes and Isla Dewar.

If you could choose an author to be your mentor, who would it be?

There are just too many to choose but I guess the big hitters like Stephen King or James Patterson would make great mentors.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, and you could only have five books with you, what would they be?

Stephen King - On writing, would be fabulous. Dan Brown - The Lost Symbol, my favourite of his Robert Langdon series. Isla Dewar - Giving up on ordinary because that was THE book that got me started with the idea I could write a book. Marian Keyes - Rachel's Holiday because that book is so funny. Lastly, Single to Edinburgh by Diane M Dickson for those deeply emotional moments.

Are you a pantser or outliner?

I begin with an outline that I always tell myself I will stick to but never do!

What are you working on now?

Right now I'm writing a crime thriller about a missing teenage girl. There are several suspects who might know what's happened to her. As yet, I have no idea!

Do you have any advice for other authors?

My best advice is just to do it. No first draft is ever perfect, in fact, some are pretty dreadful! Take criticism with a pinch of salt. But most importantly enjoy what you write.

Friday, 13 October 2017

Piken Sander lives among sprawling oak and aspen in Northern California to where she escaped from colder climes many years hence. Her randy Auntie asked her to ‘tell her a story’, demanding that there be strong women and steamy passion, and this began the writings of Piken as she crafted stories of girl meets boy, girl and boy go through the torture of life and beyond, with at the very least hopeful endings. When her Auntie passed, she left her niece a one-sentence note in her will: “Now publish the damn things.” Piken’s day consists of writing and social media, and such difficult decisions as which of her dizzying array of wildly colorful pajamas she should wear on a given day. She loves a perfectly steeped cup of good tea. She has few she calls friends, but those in this cadre are cherished and fostered. A political liberal since preteens, she tolerates no racism or bigotry or inequality of any kind, especially in her stories.

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About the Book

At forty-five, striking Carol Blake has it all: a Chicago corporation she built from the ground up on the verge of international success with a complicated merger, and Brian Cross, who at thirty is the youngest Board member of her company. Against her better judgment, she and Brian fall in love and secretly marry. Marriage is not without its ups and downs, but as the merger grows closer to fruition, Carol’s Board of Directors, including Brian, undercut her to wrest control of her company from her. Betrayed and enraged, Carol, must regain control…but is it too late?

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Keep reading for an excerpt:

“There’s no room for sissies in a merger.” Carol Blake smoothed back her dark hair and stacked all the papers spread across the large oval table in front her. “In or out, kiddies, I need to know right now.” She considered the dozen startled faces around the conference table with her sparkling green eyes. Each head nodded in turn. “Good.” She stuffed the papers into her briefcase. “Go home. Eat a good dinner and get a full night’s sleep. It’ll be the last of both for a while. We’re going to do this in under a year.” Carol slung the leather strap of the briefcase over her shoulder and pushed open the double glass doors of the conference room to stride into the hall.

James cleared his throat. “I expect they’ll name the third hurricane in this season after her?” The dozen heads nodded one more time, and each began the task of loading briefcases with all the color-coded folders she had spread on the table in front of each.

She smiled at the thought of Hurricane Carol, then frowned at the storm analogy as she continued down the hall toward the bank of elevators. Carol reached for the door handle of her new Jaguar and looked around at a familiar voice.

“Home for that meal and sleep?” Brian asked.

“I had mine last night,” Carol replied, flipping her keys. “Never forget, little boy, I’m always way ahead of everyone around me.” She slid in behind the wheel and started the engine. She smiled up at the tall man and put the car in gear.

Wednesday, 11 October 2017

Early in life, Tom Fallwell discovered a love for fantasy and science-fiction, delighting in the wonderful escape into realms undreamed of. Weaned on the greats like J.R.R. Tolkien, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, Robert E. Howard, Roger Zelazny, Robert A. Heinlein, and Michael Moorcock, just to name a few, Tom's imagination was forever inspired by those marvelous tales.

One day, he discovered a simple book of rules called 'Chainmail', by Gary Gygax, and found a new love: the love of creating adventures and stories of his own. 'Chainmail' evolved into 'Dungeons & Dragons', and Tom played consistently with friends as both a player and a dungeon master (DM) for decades. Such activities helped him develop his ability to create worlds and stories for other players to enjoy.

Now retired from his long career as a software developer, Tom writes all the adventures and characters that constantly fill his mind and shares them with the world.

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About the Book

Orphaned as a young child and growing up alone in the forest, Delina lives a life of isolation; her only companion a saber-toothed panther. Her strange eyes frighten those she occasionally encounters, so she keeps to herself, until a young, wounded warrior ends up at her doorstep. As she nurses him back to health, she discovers she is more than just a young woman with unusual eyes, she is a dragonblood, destined to become the ruler of Almar.

Now hunted by the dark sorcerer who murdered her father, usurped his throne, and killed all her kin, she must find out how she can release the essence of the dragon inside her to defeat him. Everything depends upon her willingness to embrace her legacy and reclaim the Dragon Throne.

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Keep reading for an interview with Delina, a character from the story:

Did you have a close relationship with your family?

My mother was killed when I was five years old, and I never knew my father. I've lived alone, except for Morlok, in the forest all my life since.

What is the happiest memory from your childhood?

Playing at the edge of the river with the turtles while mamma washed clothes in the cold waters. The tiny turtles would snap, but they didn't hurt, and I remember laughing as I played and mamma's soothing voice telling me she loved me.

Who was your best friend growing up?

Morlok has always been my best friend and companion. She is a shadowfang, and saved me when I was lost and alone. She all but raised me as if I was one of her own cubs.

Who is your enemy?

The High Lord Kargoth, the self declared ruler of Almar. He murdered my father and killed all my kin, claiming the Dragon Throne for himself.

Tell us a little about your world, and where you fit in?

I have lived in the forests of Almar, with Morlok, as a hermit, avoiding direct contact with others because my eyes frighten them. I'm a dragonblood, one who contains the essence of a dragon within, though I appear to be an elf. My kin ruled Almar, more specifically, my father, for hundreds of years before the usurper came. There is a prophecy that a dragonblood will one day return and defeat the dark and evil High Lord, and reclaim the Dragon Throne.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life?

Morlok has been the only friend I've known for many years. She taught me to hunt and has watched over me. Some may say she is just an animal, a cat of the wilds, but she is far more than that. I cannot imagine life without her.

Have you ever been in love?

I've never met anyone that I cared about, Morlok being my only companion. Though, she is a cat, and not a person. Yet, there is this man who was being chased by the blackguard of Kargoth, and he was injured at the entrance to my cavern home. I nursed him back to health, and I found that he looks at me differently than any others have before. I like how his eyes shine with affection when he looks upon me, unafraid of my strange eyes.

What kind of clothing do you prefer to wear?

I have always made my own clothing, from the furs of bears and other creatures of the forest. I prefer those furs made from the black bears that roam these woods.

What is your favorite food?

I'm very fond of the boar stew that I make myself, using the wonderful kapor roots found in the forest for seasoning, as well as few vegetables, of course.

What do you own that would be hardest to part with?

I have a bow that I made myself, and use for hunting. Made with my own hands, I cannot imagine not having it with me. Yet, there are no material things that I could not part with, as long as Morlok is always at my side. I truly love our hunting excursions together.

Name some of your bad habits.

I lose my temper easily with most folk I do encounter from time-to-time. They look upon me with fear, and it infuriates me.

What do you regret most in your life?

Running away as my mother was burned to death by the local villagers as a witch. They feared my eyes, and would have burned me as well, but mother had made a secret tunnel and urged me to escape into the forest. I'm still haunted by her cries as I ran, terrified, into the dark woods alone. I was only five years old, but the memory is strong.

Monday, 9 October 2017

Lorana Hoopes is an English teacher turned writer. Though she typically writes inspirational romances, she decided to start a children’s series after reading early reader books with her son. While she loved that he was reading, the simple sentences bothered her, so she decided to try something just a step up and The Wishing Stone series was born. Dangerous Dinosaur is the first book in the series, followed by The Dragon Dilemma and now Mesmerizing Mermaids. Stay tuned for Book 4 coming soon! You can follow Lorana’s Amazon author page to find out about the newest releases!

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About the Book

Spenser was an ordinary boy who hated reading until he was given a magical stone that allowed him to be transported into the books he reads. In this first book of the series, he goes back to prehistoric times where he must help a cave boy save his village from a dinosaur. Will Spenser be able and how will he get home?

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Keep reading for an interview with the author:

Why did you decide to be a writer?

I decided to start a children's series when my son first started reading. All of the early chapter books were simple sentences, and I wanted him to be challenged just a bit more, so I created my own series with my kids as the characters.

Do you have a "day job"?

I am a full-time teacher by day, but I teach mainly middle and high school.

What genres do you write?

I write inspirational romances and this children's fantasy series.

What inspires you to write?

People. I love to people watch and so something they say or something they do gives me inspiration.

How often do you write?

Every day, though my writing time now is usually at night after my kids go to bed, I always try to write a little.

How long does it take you to write a novel?

In the summer I can do it in a month. When I'm working, it's three or longer

What are your goals as an author?

To quit my day job. I'd love to be selling enough books that I can just write for a living and spend more time with my kids.

Does your family support you in your writing, or are you on your own?

Some. My husband doesn't really understand why I write so much and he teases me about being on my laptop all the time, but I think he secretly likes it.

What is the best compliment you've ever received as an author?

I had a reader download my book thinking it was a devotional, but then she liked it so much she stayed up all night reading it cover to cover.

Friday, 6 October 2017

Bookseller in Verona (Italy), Sarah Zama has always lived surrounded by books. Always a fantasy reader and writer, she’s recently found her home in the dieselpunk community. Her first book, Give in to the Feeling, comes out in 2016.

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About the Book

Even in sparkling Jazz Age Chicago, spirits can trick you into believing they’re men.

When Susie comes to Jazz Age America, she knows her life will change. Back in China, spirits mingle in the mists of the rice fields and trick humans into believing they’re men so to steal their soul, and the expectations of a daughter are unimportant and ignore. Here in Chicago, Simon gives her the carefree life of the New American Woman, the freedom to dress daringly and do things once only reserved for men--drinking, smoking and dancing with strangers. It’s an exciting life and she considers the loyalty Simon demands of her a small price to pay.

Until she meets Blood.

Blood lets Susie speak her mind and listen to her heart. He commits himself to her and asks nothing in return. Through his eyes, Susie begins to see her loyalty to Simon as the bars around her “freedom”. But she knows Simon will never let her go.

Here in Chicago spirits can mingle in the smoke and jazz of speakeasies and trick humans into believing they’re men. They can still steal their soul. And if Susie doesn’t see the spirit behind the mask of the men fighting for her, she might lose much more than her freedom.

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Keep reading for a character guest post:

Susie's Bio (in her own words)

It’s the weirdest of things, thinking about that life now. It feels like a dream, a sweet dream, sometimes. But so far away that I’m not even sure it was ever my life. I know it will never be again.

I was born on the Dragon Backbone Mountains in the south of China, in what I used to think of as a village and I now would call a group of huts among the rice paddy fields. It was a beautiful place, I knew it even then. I remember the sun on the liquid terraces, the mists before the sun rose. The sweet summers. I do have many nice memories of my birthplace.

I remember running barefoot with gangs of kids, playing jokes on our elders, going hunting for rabbits and other small games. I was quite a good hunter, considering I was a little girl.

My father would always say I was a double disgrace for him. First, because I was a women, the first of five sisters. And second, because I should have been a boy as it was clear by my personality. He would always say that, before proceeding to beat some sense in that stupid head of mine.

I wonder now whether my father was a violent man. I don’t think he was. He never treated my sisters the way he treated me, but maybe my treatment was education enough for them never to do what I did: speak back, speak my mind, act like a tomboy. If this is the case, I’m happy I spared my sisters that fate. By my teen years I had learn do curb my tongue and think twice before speaking up even when the words strangled me in my throat.

I hardly remember what I felt when my father told me he had found a husband for me and I was to cross the ocean to reach him. I had always expected to leave my house, of course. And probably, back then I didn’t really know what it would mean ‘crossing the ocean’. Maybe my father saw it as the only option he had for a difficult daughter like me: selling me off to someone who couldn’t possibly check on me before marrying me. I know – because I discovered later – the man paid quite a handsome amount of money to get me, which was a huge amount of money in my little village. I’m sure my parents lived well enough after that, and my sisters found a good house to be married into. I consider that my last service to my family, because I know I will never see any of them again.

I don’t remember the journey across the ocean. I don’t want to remember. But sometimes it comes back in my worst nightmares. The dark, the choking heat, putrid food. The smell of so many bodies pressed together. The short moments of fresh air each of us where allowed.

I’m glad I don’t remember.

But I do remember when I finally landed in San Francisco, alone. It was a nightmare of its own. It was hell. Nothing was familiar. Not the language. Not the smell of the city and the people. Not the colour of the sun. Not the sounds that assailed me and confused me. I remember the inspection, and the papers handed to me which I wasn’t even sure what were for. I stood in the street with my papers in hand, staring at those incomprehensible words and thinking that was exactly what my life looked like from that standing point.

How did I find the place where my husband was waiting for me? Maybe an old couple of immigrants helped me, someone who had come before me and knew the city. Yes, it was an elderly couple who took pity on me and helped me find the house.

When I got there, finally… my soon to be husband was dead.

Was I shocked? I can’t say so. I was already overwhelmed with everything. This news was just one more brick in the wall I was banging my head against. I didn’t care. I was lost anyway. There wasn’t a place for me in this new land, I knew it from the moment I set foot on it.

But my husband had an associate, they did business together. Import/export from home, as I understood it. Ma Shu took an interest in me. He had indeed carved his niche in San Francisco, but now he wanted to travel somewhere else, to a place he could call his own. I liked that. I liked his drive.

He said he had bought a place in Chicago and asked me whether I wanted to go with him. I didn’t know what Chicago meant, but what did I care? Could be any place. I didn’t care to stay in San Francisco.

I went with him. I went with him in all possible ways.

Chicago did shock me. It is cold, colder than home in any season. And in the winters it’s dark, and freezing. The lake sends wind and snow our way. Always. Always.

Contrary to San Francisco, there aren’t many Chinese in Chicago. Ma Shu set up his place, a speakeasy, he called it. A place where people can drink (which is forbidden by law, crazy as it sounds) and dance to jazz. All night long, if they wish.

I love jazz. Why? I don’t know. It doesn’t sound like anything familiar to me, still when I listen to it and especially when I dance to it, it’s like a part of me is set free. Free, like I’ve never been. So free sometimes I’m scared by that feeling, but never so much not to go back to it every time.

Ma Shu has never be opposed to my dancing. I’ve even joined the show. I dance with other dancers, dance with customers. Ma Shu let me do anything American women do. I can drink, if I want. I can smoke. I can wear shockingly short dresses. He’s never tried to stop me from doing anything. He’s taught me to speak English. He’s taught me to deal with Americans. He’s given me a gorgeous house, beautiful dresses, anything I want.

Monday, 2 October 2017

Author of British paranormal romance series The Redcliffe Novels, Catherine Green was raised on books from a young age and has happy memories of Saturday mornings spent in her small local library, devouring the contents of the shelves. Catherine has always been fascinated by the supernatural world, and it feels natural for her to write about vampires, werewolves, witches and other mystical creatures in her contemporary stories.

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About the Book

Jessica Stone used to be a normal human. Then she fell in love with a vampire, met his identical twin werewolf brother, and her life fell apart spectacularly. Meeting Detective Jack Mason, and his brother Danny, brought about a powerful change, and Jessica’s magic was released. Now, in Redcliffe book 4, she must learn to control her ethereal animal familiar, who lusts after the alpha werewolf, and will stop at nothing to use her human mistress as a tool... Or is that a weapon?

The Redcliffe novels series follow the adventures of bookshop owner Jessica Stone as she meets a man and falls in love, only to discover the hidden werewolf secrets of her close friends. That includes Simon Bunce, manager of the Ship Inn, who turns out to be lieutenant to the Redcliffe werewolf pack, and lover to the wolf alpha Danny Mason. He fights to protect his master from the ethereal animal familiar who threatens to claim their pack. Who knew the Cornish coast could be so deadly?

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Keep reading for an excerpt:

“Perhaps,” she said, “Yours is a complicated relationship. It definitely isn’t human. Vampires are rarely known to be monogamous. What makes you think Jack will remain faithful?”

I shook my head as my body ran hot then cold, and I shivered as a chill ran down my spine.

“I don’t know,” I replied, “Am I being naïve?”

“Maybe,” Crystal said, “You still have a lot to learn about living with supernatural creatures. Actually, you have a lot to learn about being one, too.”

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

“So, I take it one day at a time, then,” I said.

Crystal nodded.

“Yes,” she replied, “I think that is the best way to handle everything. Give Danny the space to mourn for his lost lieutenant, but don’t shut him out if he asks you for help. It will be uncomfortable, but I know you care about him and you cannot hide the fact. Your friendship is just a little more physical than it would be with another human.”

I swallowed nervously.

“You keep talking about us as non-human,” I said, “But I am still human, surely. I mean, yes I have this animal familiar living inside my subconscious somewhere, but physically I’m just a normal person, right?”

Crystal stared straight at me, and in the soft lamplight of her living room, her violet eyes seemed to glow like jewels. It was eerie, but she was incredibly beautiful in a frightening way. My breath caught in my throat as I stared at her, unable to look away.

“You are both,” she replied, “You are human, yes, but you are a witch Jessica. If you take some time to study your craft, learn how to utilize your powers and those of your animal familiar, you will become far more than a mere human. But it takes time, patience, and lots of practice.”

I nodded and a pang of excitement shot through me. It was almost like a voice inside my head was screaming for me to get on with it and discover what we were capable of. I didn’t know who the ‘we’ was. I knew that it was not Suri. It was yet another spiritual entity, and one that I did not have the strength to explore at this time. But maybe later, when everything had settled with Jack and Danny, I could explore my witchcraft and see where it took me.

I returned home that night feeling a lot lighter in my heart and with a slightly clearer mind. Crystal couldn’t fix my problems, but she had certainly given me the advice I needed. I was no longer in the human world. I had to stop thinking like one, and I couldn’t keep hiding from Danny and the wolves. It was time to return to the Ship Inn.

A life-long lover of romance, Jessica took several writing classes in college, and told her professors she was one-day going to write soap...

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